Long Beach residents call for alternatives after council clarifies e-bike ban on boardwalk

A string of public commenters at the June 16 Long Beach City Council meeting urged the council to revisit a clarified prohibition on motorized bicycles, including many e-bikes, on the boardwalk.

Several residents told the council the clarification effectively bans older and mobility-impaired riders who rely on e-bikes for exercise and transportation. Rob Catel told the council he viewed the change as "unconstitutional" and "discriminatory," saying the rule prevents older residents from using the boardwalk. Other speakers proposed alternatives: a separated bike lane on one side of the boardwalk, designated hours for e-bike use, age limits (for example, permitting adults over 21), or speed monitoring and targeted enforcement.

Council members responded that the prior ordinance already prohibited motorized bicycles on the boardwalk and that the recent vote modernized language to explicitly include e-bikes; the council said the intent was public safety, not to target mobility-impaired users. Council members and staff acknowledged community concern and said improved signage and a public-information campaign could help. No reversal or amendment of the boardwalk rule occurred at the meeting; residents asked the council to consider measured alternatives that focus on speed and behavior rather than a blanket vehicle ban.

The exchange underscored a tension common in shore communities this summer: balancing pedestrian safety on crowded boardwalks with mobility needs of older or disabled residents. Residents asked staff for clearer signage and an evaluation of options that could preserve safe boardwalk use for all.